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Prevention and Management of Work Disability in Asia Pacific: Challenges and Opportunities

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Abstract

Introduction: The economic growth in Asia Pacific brings with it challenges and opportunities in many areas of work and health. As economies grow and work demands increase so do accidents, injures and work disability. Methods: Burns, chemical exposures, and construction related injuries are often catastrophic in severity and lead to work disability, major acute medical and subsequent rehabilitation efforts. In addition to these acute injuries, musculoskeletal and chronic illnesses are also sources of work disability. Results: Industrial injuries and health problems are often explained and managed based on the classic unidimensional hazard prevention model. In contrast, work disability is a multi-factorial problem and requires more complex conceptualizations than an exposure outcome model. The economic impact of disability, limitations of the widely used impairment based disability determination method, lack of adherence to wide scale implementation of evidence based clinical approaches, the need for meaningful stakeholder involvement and the potential of a multivariable view of work disability, in all aspects of work disability prevention, management and policy are discussed in the context of Asia Pacific economic growth. Conclusions: With ideal alignment of diverse goals and incentives along with consideration of past efforts in disability prevention and management, new models, processes and policies can be created as commerce in these countries continues to grow.

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Acknowledgments

The author is very grateful to Professors Chetwyn Chan, Grace Stezo and Andy Chang for the opportunity to collaborate with them as they forge ahead in the development of occupational rehabilitation and Work Disability Prevention in Hong Kong and mainland China with their many colleagues in China. Paper based on a keynote address, Serena Yang Lecture Series, Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, October, 2009.

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  1. Department of Medical and Clinical Psychology and Preventive Medicine and Biometrics, Uniformed Services University, 4301 Jones Bridge Road, Bethesda, MD, 20814, USA

    Michael Feuerstein

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Correspondence to Michael Feuerstein.

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The opinions and assertions contained herein are the private views of the authors and are not to be construed as being official or as reflecting the views of the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences or the Department of Defense.

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Feuerstein, M. Prevention and Management of Work Disability in Asia Pacific: Challenges and Opportunities. J Occup Rehabil 21 (Suppl 1), 5–14 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10926-011-9295-3

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